San Jose Teen Charged for Alleged 3D Printed Ghost Gun Manufacturing

Authorities seized over 2 dozen unregistered firearms from the 18-year-old's bedroom.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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An 18-year-old San Jose resident named Jacob Reyes is facing criminal charges for allegedly using 3D printers to manufacture ghost guns in his bedroom. Police seized 27 finished or nearly finished firearms, some of which were modified to function as machine guns, along with ammunition from Reyes' home.

Why it matters

The proliferation of ghost guns, or untraceable firearms, is a growing concern for law enforcement as they are difficult to track and regulate. This case highlights the ease with which individuals can now produce their own firearms at home using 3D printing technology, bypassing background checks and other legal requirements.

The details

According to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, Reyes had two working 3D weapon printers in his bedroom and had allegedly manufactured 27 ghost guns, some of which were modified to act as machine guns. All of the weapons seized, except one, were produced using the 3D printers. Reyes was arraigned on charges related to the unlicensed manufacturing of firearms using a 3D printer, as well as felony possession of a machine gun.

  • On February 24, 2026, authorities seized the 3D printed ghost guns from Reyes' bedroom in San Jose.
  • Reyes was arraigned on the charges on February 26, 2026.

The players

Jacob Reyes

An 18-year-old San Jose resident who is facing criminal charges for allegedly manufacturing ghost guns using 3D printers in his bedroom.

Jeff Rosen

The Santa Clara County District Attorney, who stated that the case highlights the growing black market of untraceable, illegal, and deadly weapons.

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What they’re saying

“There is a black market of weapons thriving right under our noses. Once again, the DA's investigators and their law enforcement partners have taken off the streets an arsenal of untraceable, illegal, and deadly weapons.”

— Jeff Rosen, Santa Clara County District Attorney (ktlo.com)

What’s next

Reyes faces potential prison time if convicted on the charges related to the unlicensed manufacturing of firearms using a 3D printer and felony possession of a machine gun.

The takeaway

This case underscores the growing threat posed by ghost guns, which can be easily produced using widely available 3D printing technology, and the challenges law enforcement faces in regulating the proliferation of these untraceable firearms.